Write What You Love and Love What You Write
Writing a book takes up occupancy in you
Wake Up and Write is a regular advice column from Moms Don’t Have Time to Write. Today, we have Richie Jackson — an award-winning Broadway, film, and TV producer, and the author of Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son — who shared writing advice on the podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, hosted by Zibby Owens.
“Since I’ve only written one book, I’m probably more in need of advice than anything.”
“I’ve always had this vague fantasy that I’d like to write a book since it’s my favorite way to get a story, much more than television and theater and film, which is funny because that’s where I’ve spent my career.
I think what held me back is I always heard writers and writing teachers say write what you know. I thought, ‘I don’t know enough to put in the book. I don’t know anything that well.’ Then I wrote what I loved. It poured out of me. I love being gay. I love being a parent. I love being in love.
What I would say to an aspiring writer: Write what you love because it will come out easier. Also, I wasn’t ready for how writing a book takes up occupancy in you. It’s all you think about. You’re constantly turning over phrases and words and ideas. I was carrying around a pencil and paper everywhere in case something came up.
You have to love it because it’s going to live in you in a profound way for the period that you’re writing it.”
Listen to the episode:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/richiejackson
Buy the book:
